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Checkpoint with Lisa Owen is RNZ’s weekday drive-time news programme, Our people, stories and breaking news and interviews from 4-6pm.
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Last month Air New Zealand flight 946 from Auckland to Rarotonga got all the way to its island destination but could not land despite best efforts because of strong cross winds. Instead it had to head back to Auckland. Passengers on board got an email that the flight was being diverted due to weather, outlining compensation for some transit customers for accomodation and meals. British-American traveller Karen Chapman was on the flight but says Air New Zealand declined to reinburse her costs. Karen spoke to Lisa Owen.
Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about a legal case that's underway that could have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry across the Tasman - with a jailed problem gambler who stole to finance his addiction suing three of the country's biggest online betting agencies.
The debate over a debate between Finance Ministers - past and present - has descended into farce - with both sides now accusing the other of chickening out. Nicola Willis had challenged Ruth Richardson - who chairs the Taxpayers' Union - to a public debate over the government's fiscal strategy. But they can't seem to agree on a location. Acting political editor Craig McCulloch reports.
News from the business sector, including a market report.
The second test between the Black Caps and West Indies is finely poised in Wellington. After rolling the visitors late yesterday evening, the Kiwis have lost eight wickets today with just the bowlers left to try and build a big lead. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.
Athletes have been put through their paces today at the Special Olympics National Summer Games on in Christchurch. It's the first day of competition - over the next four days, more than 1200 competitors will take part in 10 different sports. Cameron Easton was just eight when he participated at the special Olympic games as a swimmer. But he has since turned his hand to Bocce, the Italian lawn bowling game. His mum Vivian is the coach of the Horowhenua Bocce team and spoke to Lisa Owen.
Behind a sea of road cones, diggers and traffic chaos businesses on a busy Auckland road are crying out for help. Shop owners in the suburb of Grey Lynn say they've been struggling to stay afloat since a year long roadwork project began on Great North Road. With access often cut off and shops hidden from view one business is surviving off loans while another says times are the toughest it's been in 23 years including during Covid. They keep being told the work is about to wrap up but with multiple delays already some fear the end could be a long way off. Evie Richardson reports.
Public health experts are calling for children to be regularly checked into adulthood for any symptoms of illnesses linked to asbestos exposure. It comes after a number of children's play sands were found to be contaminated with asbestos. One mother had to pay to have her home tested after her three year old twin's sand tested positive for asbestos. Elle Chrisp spoke to Lisa Owen.
New Zealand has the chance to virtually eliminate cervical cancer but the uptake of a vaccination that prevents it remains incredibly low. The latest State of Cancer report released today says half of all cancers are preventable. The Human Papilloma viruses or HPVs are the main causes of several cancers including cervical, mouth and throat cancer. But the HPV vaccine can prevent the virus. Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs at the Cancer Society, Rachael Neumann spoke to Lisa Owen.
Donald Trump's push to strengthen US borders could get tougher on Kiwi travellers, who might have to hand over years of social media posts if they want to enter America. The Trump administration wants to make visitors that don't need a visa to disclose five years' worth of social media history before they're allowed in. New Zealand is among dozens of countries that'll could be affected if proposed changes go through and one former diplomat is worried he won't make the cut. Kim Baker Wilson reports.
The government is pushing ahead with plans to loosen regulations for the hemp industry, which it says has been hamstrung by outdated rules. The changes mean hemp growers will no longer require a licence if the plants contain less than one-percent THC which is the main psychoactive compound that can make people high. The Regulation Minister David Seymour, who made the announcement in Ashburton today, says the changes could generate more than $7 million of economic benefit over the next ten years. Adam Burns reports.
Sevu Reece has announced he is leaving the All Blacks after next season to take up a contract in France. He is currently Super Rugby's all time leading try scorer and has played 37 tests for the All Blacks, but the writing may well have been on the wall for Reece given his age. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen.
Two years on from setting up it's own security service a popular Auckland shopping precinct says its slashed crime in its area, but it is appealing to the government for help with some people who are still falling through the cracks. In the past year the Newmarket security team has recovered more than $170,000 of stolen product, dealt with 88 breaches of trespass orders and 416 repeated offenders. Newmarket Business Association chief executive Mark Knoff Thomas spoke to Lisa Owen.
United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about the US seizing an oil tanker of the coast of Venezuela - further escalating tensions between the two nations, as well as tourists - including kiwis - potentially having to expose more of their digital life if they want to travel to the US.
NZTA is reducing speed limits on several sections of a popular holiday route in time for Christmas. Four sections of State Highway 25 will drop to 50 kilometres from 80 or 70 kilometres. Waka Kotahi says there were 982 submissions on the speed review in the Coromandel region and the majority saw benefits in lowering the speed limits. Linda Davidson owns a bed and breakfast on one stretch of road where the speed limit is reducing and spoke to Lisa Owen.
United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about school's in the UK reintroducing Covid measures to combat this season's flu outbreak, as well as the owner of a controversial nude gladiator statue preparing for a legal fight.
Special Olympics fever has touched down in Christchurch with the national summer games getting under way. The pinnacle event for athletes with intellectual disabilities has returned to the Garden City for the first time in 20 years. Teams began pouring into Otautahi yesterday ahead of today's opening ceremony which started this afternoon. Adam Burns reports.
News from the business sector, including a market report.
The Black Caps and West Indies continue their tight test tussle. The West Indies pulled off a miraculous, record setting draw in Christchurch, but the Black Caps have the ascendency in the capital after day one. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.
The food safety watchdog is recommending better traceability of delivered meals and better management of left over food following an investigation into how mouldy rancid lunches were served to students at a Christchurch school. A report by New Zealand Food safety has found there is no wider food safety issue with the provider, the School Lunch Collective, and that the meals had likely been left at the school the week prior and mistakenly given to students. Food Safety Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle spoke to Lisa Owen.
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thank you
disgusting :'(
Religions have been getting everything for free for far too long. A lot of people are sick of archaic religions having different rules than everyone else.
Has NZ received a official proof of the alleged chemical attack from independent international investigation organisations such as OPCW?